Did Former Jehanabad MP Arun Singh Really Join JD-U?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Arun Singh returns to the JD-U, reuniting with Nitish Kumar.
- His son, Rituraj Singh, is expected to contest in the upcoming elections.
- This move may strengthen JD-U's position in the Magadh division.
- The seat-sharing formula within the NDA is yet to be finalized.
- 'Ghar Wapsi' emphasizes Singh's return to his political roots.
Patna, Oct 11 (NationPress) Former MP Arun Singh has officially joined the Janata Dal United (JD-U) on Saturday, marking a significant return to the political arena of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar after a prolonged hiatus.
Singh, who once represented the Jehanabad Lok Sabha constituency, made his way into JD-U alongside his son Rituraj Singh.
The event was attended by prominent figures including Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, also known as Lalan Singh, JD-U Working President Sanjay Jha, State President Umesh Kushwaha, Water Resources Minister Vijay Chaudhary, Rural Works Minister Ashok Chaudhary, and various other senior party leaders.
Arun Singh's affiliation with JD-U comes ahead of the crucial seat-sharing discussions within the NDA.
Singh, a notable figure from the Bhumihar community, was previously a close ally of Nitish Kumar, having collaborated with him against the Lalu-Rabri administration.
However, he later distanced himself, contesting the 2014 Lok Sabha elections from Jehanabad on a ticket from Upendra Kushwaha’s party, where he emerged victorious.
After Kushwaha’s unification with JD-U, Singh exited and briefly joined Chirag Paswan’s Lok Janshakti Party.
According to party insiders, Rituraj Singh is expected to contest the forthcoming Bihar Assembly elections from the Ghosi constituency in Jehanabad district.
During the ceremony, Lalan Singh remarked, “This is a significant moment as former MP Chandeshwar Prasad Chandravanshi and Arun Singh unite on a single platform. Arun Singh's arrival will bolster our party's strength in the Magadh division. This marks a Ghar Wapsi for him.”
Interestingly, the two leaders had previously faced off in Jehanabad.
In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, JD-U’s Chandeshwar Prasad Chandravanshi was defeated by RJD’s Surendra Yadav.
JD-U Working President Sanjay Jha expressed his enthusiasm for Arun Singh's return, stating, “With his joining, JD-U has gained strength. Under Nitish Kumar's leadership, the NDA is poised to secure victory in the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections and reclaim governance.”